Change in Approved-Lab List

September 2005 - Effective since July 31, BioServ Biotechnologies, Ltd., located in Laurel, Md., is no longer a U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)-approved laboratory for official genotyping for scrapie susceptibility. Producers testing rams as part of the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI)/APHIS cost-share program should utilize the services of one of the remaining APHIS-approved labs located across the country.

Producers in all states now have the opportunity to participate in the cost-share genotyping program being administered by ASI in conjunction with APHIS. The ASI/APHIS cost-share program provides producers an opportunity to test up to ten rams and receive $12 per ram tested. The funds will be disbursed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Cost-share opportunities for genotype testing are also available through many state/APHIS cooperative programs. Producers in those states can submit for a reimbursement at either the state level or through the ASI program.

For a complete listing of APHIS-approved labs, as well as further details on the ASI/APHIS genotyping program, log on to the ASI Web site at: www.sheepusa.organd click on the ?Ram Genotyping? link.